Shroud supporting frame for automobile engine compartments



30, 1952 A R, NEWELL 2,612,233

SHROUD SUPPORTING FRAME FOR UTOMOBIL ENGINE COMPARTMENTS Filed May 20, 1948 j 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 l I 3l Hufig/mezz Sept. 30, 1952. A R NEWELL y l 2,612,233

` SHROUD SUPPORTING FRAME FOR yAU'IOMOBILEv:EJGIl-.IE COMPARTMENTS Filed May 20, 1948'` 3 Sheets-Sheet y Patented Sept. 30,y 1952 SHROUD SUPPORTING FRAME FR AUTO- MGBILE ENGINE COMPARTMENTS Arthur R.Newell, Topeka, Kans. Application My 20, 1948, Serial N0. 28,072

'f claims. (c1. iso-89) This invention relates to motor vehicles, and

particularly to an improved construction of the shrouding assembly whereby access may be readily vhad to the-motor, front axle and other operative parts which lie forwardly of the dash-board.

In the present type of construction of automobiles, the fenders,` splash aprons. radiator grill,

and hood are connected directly to the chassis and body of the car and to each other by numerous bolts or/and other fastening means. With such construction the only provision affording l for securing said sockets on said pins. f

ready access to the motor and adjacentparts for adjustment or repair is the hinged hood; but this, at best, provides only cramped quarters for work on the motor etc.; and frequently it is` impossible to reach or work upon the necessary parts.

Under such conditions it becomes necessary to remove one or both front wheels, and the splash aprons, which consumes much time and requires the use of costly tools bothv forthe' removal and the replacement thereof.

The object of the present invention is to provide in an automobile an improved construction whereby the hood, fenders, splash apronsand other parts enclosing the motor, and usually designated as the shrouding, may be readily and quickly removed in order to give unhampered access to the parts requiring repairor adjustment. j 'v An additional advantage of this sub-frame assembly is that in case of necessary repair a completed assembly could be loaned and installed immediately and the car usedby the owner while the damaged part is being repaired, thus permitting the use of the car during the period of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction as above mentioned in which the severaly parts may be removed and replaced as a unit.

A further object-of the invention novel means for firmly. but releasably securing the unitary assembly in normal position.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel vibration dampeners between the removable unit and they fixed portions of the automobile.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

With these objects in view, the invention comprises a shroud supporting frame to which the cowl consisting of the hood, fenders, and aprons are securely fastened, and means for detachably connecting the shroud supporting frame to the main frame or chassis of an automobile.

The invention kfurther `and more specifically consists in a device as above stated in which the is to provide Figure 3; l y

Figure 7 is a detail of a preferred means forv frame comprisesfront and rear transverse frame portions, and longitudinal members rigidly connecting said transverse members, and -means securely connecting the fendersv andaprons to adjacent portions of the shroud supporting frame.

The invention further consists in a device .as above stated in which the transverse members are provided at the lower outer portions with sockets to receive upwardly extending pins or studs rigidly fixed to the automobile frame, and clamps .The invention further consists in Various combinations and arrangement of parts as-will be described hereinafter vand particularly pointed out in the claims. y ,l

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specication, and in which: y

Figure 1 is a plan view'of theI forward portion of an automobile embodying ythe presentinvention; f 1

Figure 2 'is aside elevation oi the being broken away; v.

Figure 3 is a; section on substantially the line'A 3-3 of Figure -2,"upon an enlarged scale, and particularly illustrating therear transverse member of the shroud supporting lframe. v. z l

Figure y4 is a section'fon substantially the line 4 4 of Figure 2, illustrating f-partic'ularly Ithe front transverseY member;v v

Figure 511s a detail-sectional view'of one oi the clamps for securing the removable unit to the main frame, and illustrated upon a much enlarged scale; H Y y y Figure 6 is a detail section on the line 6-6 of same, parts attaching certainofthe longitudinal elements of the frame to the rear cross elemevnt,and illustrated upon an enlarged scale Figure 8 is a side elevation, partly in section 'of the shroud supporting frame, with thefenders,

aprons, hood and radiator `grill removed;

Figure 9 is a sec'tionalvdetail of a vibration dampener such ask used between the .radiator and adjacent portions'of the removable unit;

Figure v10 is ai similar view of the vibration dampener as used betweenthe rear'transverse element of the shroud supporting frame andthe dash-board;` l v i x Figure 11 is a detail view of means .orconnecting portionsof, the aprons and/or fenders tothe adjacent portions of the shroud supporting frame. Figure 12 is adetail view .of the manner. of 'con-` use efvexpensiv tools.

frame members I5. Intermediate the radiator 'I9' and dash-board -I8 is the engine `or motor 2i) which is also xed to the frame members' 15.1,

These'elements and their arrangement are common to all automobiles in general use.

The front fenders 2l and hood 22 may be of.v any desired contour, as also may be the radiator grill assembly 23. Splash aprons 24 are provided, dividing the engine space under the hood '-22 fin-rem the wheel spsee under Vthe fenders 2|. Iii-'is theiisual practice to rivetfbolt, or otherwise SSeiire the fenders-2 I, splash aprons'24,and 'radi- 'atogrillv assembly l23 'directly to Veach other and zz fte' the body |"1 efthe'ear adjaeentthe dash- 1t6arde nreiiiuerr stated, it is v frequently friessery-te freiiiev'e one er beth ef the .front wheels "|6-,Y- the fenders 2l v"arid 'aprons 24, and

ffsiieumstne g'ifi irassenseiyv 23,5111 order to reach and Work upr'i the-parts' needing" adjustment or repair;4 'andfas `these"elements are secured in permarient' .position `by numerous nbolts, rivets or ether fastening means, the remos/aranci replacement thereof requires considerabl'etime *and the l 'miie' main objectief tmsinvenuenis te previd a' construction and assembly of lpartswherebyf'fthe lshou'di'ng consisting of the sheet metal -partscvering the engine' and radiator andA 'comprising the hood, fenders, aprons and radiator` grill, may be quickly `.removed to vgive unha'mpered access to the engine, front axle, and'ad- *jacent parts,v and as readily replaced and ysecured in position,' and without the fuse of special tools. f To-this enda'shrouding -frame is-protided to which the shroudingf'elements are i'llxedjorming li'fherewith'a unitary structurev which may be readily attached 'to theframe'm'embers I8 of the chassis and as readily detachedtherefrom.

@The shrouding frame above mentioned comprises generally front -and'rear transverse'members and-3| respectively, and longitudinal connecting members 32, 33 and 34.

Y The frontfframe member30 is preferably made 1;

entirely of tubular stock, and comprsesa top portion 35 whichis curved `orshaped to conform to the contourof the adjacentzportion cfu-hood 2,2, and vertical side portionsf'G- BB 4`together with suitable brace bars-'such -as shown avt-31, -38 and 39, whch are welded in place 'to form a Arigid frame 'eleler'i..v Although 'a specific form'is illus'tated, VJVVS'QO be ndfljd 'h'af 'lihpe er nie member sunny pejvaneu te eenfrm te the design ef the automobile.

Therea'r frame'me'mberl is vformed Ao 'f 'pressed Steel plal'l'n'd ifsv uppfdg ifs HSll'allld']liti' 601i. forni tothecontour of the adjacent'poition of the hood 22, and then continued'outwardly-and dowhwardlyclfii t0'- thel IltOui 0f the 'aa'- jacent portions of the fenders 2l. ''Iheupper edge is formed vwith a `reverse ianf'ge`4il'lt'or add rigidity to-the member, and is perforated to relceive -1acings4| upon lwhich the :hood 22 rests.

Portions `of the platelmay" be 'removed 'as indicated '2,612,233 j.' .L j i-;

permit the engine controls 44, which extendv through thewdash I8, topass under the member v3l 'instead `or 1through jthefs'anfle, p'sovasnot to interfere with 'the'removalbf the unit. The engyine controls 44 are indicated diagrammatically 'only in Figure 3, which is ample to illustrate the linvent-ion .as claimed. The arched lower edge 43 is formed with a stiiening reverse flange 45 which spans the frame I5. The edge then extends vertically downwardly, the flanged edge ythereof, upon each side, being pressed to form a semi-cylindricalportion 4B forming a vertical recess 41, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 13, into which is welded or otherwise secured a Vertical .tubular socket member -48 to which the longitudinal members v33 an,d 34 of the -fframejareat- .tached. From the lower-endfof theportion .45, `the Abottom edge of theftransverse :member-3i curves loutwardly anddownwardly as at 49 to the `lower edge ofthefenders-2,41YAY y ,The connecting members '32,V 33 and 34 vare i'ireferably tubular y and f are `welded or :otherwise secured-at-theforward endsto, the front transverse member 30,; andthe-rearr-endsotmembers 33"'and 134 are` similarly .secured #to the socket members l48. f'I'o, the r ear ends ogetheupperlllongitudinal'l members 32 are weldediiangesA-which are riveted or otherwisesecured .to `the transverse rear'member 3l.. Y. v A

rI-he fenders, aprons',` and radiator" grill are .securely attached directly and solely to the shroudingl Vframe above described byj any suitable means. In Figure 11Iisillustratedn aclipvfor this purpose which-,comprises a r netal strip 155 welded .to a `frame member, as yS, vand belted to a `fender 2 l as by bolts 56. This connection isalso illustrated at'55 in Figure fl. -It isnobvio'us thatthe.6511105755 may be used at any desiredY places where the renders, vaprons or grill are inproximityto the `shrouding frame. The'flocation and number'o'f *saidV clips whicnare used depends upon the type o r.v design of the car', the essential `feature`being the jiixed connection of'sai'd parts to theshrou'ding 'frame to'form a unitary, removable unit. ."Ir'i Figures, 4 and 'v7' is illustrated a differentform of4 clip which maybe employed. especially for securingv the splash aprns'24 in position. A"lflis comprises ahQK-shaped stri'pwfl welded-tothe ,upper'face'of a longitudinal fratrie me`mber`2--34 and having. ari 'uptured end 5I! v bolted .to `the abren. 4Tlrese ma "be .a'plpl'ieltl where desired v'to nomine aprons' "igidlyr piace. The jadjaeent upper 'longitudinal'ed'gs offt'he fei'i'drs "and 'aprbn's are ilvtd tgt'heas 'indicated uti'I. Y `The radiator. grill 23 may ,besecured tothe frame 30- byfitneridf the jeiipsjabeve'jdeseribed or' by any; 1o herJ irreans, Aand" connected to 'the fendersv inY any d `v`ired jrnannerr'or it rrray "be vfermes integrally Aiur-'the fen 'ersyeeftne speeine constructies ,frthesejpar net-perse, essentiei'jte the inve the ra. diator grill-fa'sj'se`iibly ir)- scoop 6 I; which may 'al'sobesecured-116th shrouding frame-by a clip or clips-62 welded" 'thel'o'wer member `-39 'of the vfront transverse 'me' 'membeni'a'nd-to which-'the scoop ll'is vattahe'cll'by one br' more N{boltsfti se Figurer i2 i v The hcodfispiovided "with"eth'e-v usual hinge meinberlin, wnieh reconnectea eiitiiefreartrensyersecm-emberiafl ref lr'esilaranteffraine-Sinstead of to the body portion of the automobile asis the'usua1practlce. By this arrangement the hood becomes part of the unitary removable structure. Y.

The invention consists primarily in the combination of the shrouding frame and associated parts as above described, irrespective of style or design, iirmly united vinto a unitary structure, together with means for securely but detachably connecting the same tothe chassis of an automobile.

The means forconnectingthe removable unit or shrouding to the chassis is shown in Figures 3, 4 and 8, and specifically illustrated in Fig- .ure 5. 'Ihe transverse members 30 and 3l are each provided with a pair of downwardly open sockets 65 adapted to telescopically reeciveupwardly extending studs 66 xedly connected to the frame members of the automobile.r Preferably the socket engaging studs are mounted on brackets 68 xed to the longitudinal frame members I5. The lower ends of the tubular vertical portions 3S of the front frame constitute the sockets of the front transverse frame and the lower ends of the members 48 fixed to the rear member 3.! constitute the sockets of said rear member.

As the several sockets and studs, together with the associated clamping means hereinafter described are identical, the description of one is suiiicient.l Referring particularly to Figure 5, the socket 65 illustrated therein may be the lower end of either of the portions 36 of the front frame or the lower end of one of the elements 48 of vthe rear frame member 3l.

The bracket 68 includes an outwardly extend-A ing lug 69 which is perforated to receive the upwardly extending stud 66, and the lower end of the stud is formed with a head 10 engaging the under facev of the lug 69 to which it is preferably welded, so that the lug comprises a unitary part of the bracket. I y

Each clamp comprises a pair of armsf1I pivotally connected to the socket member by a pivot pin 12 extending through said member, a block 13 pivotally mounted between the lower ends of said arms, and a clamp screw 14 threaded through said block and engaging the under face of the stud head 10 to draw the ends of the socket members down over the studs 66 and iirmly against the brackets 68.

The arms are preferably outwardly bowed to clear the ends of the bracket lugs 69, and may be connected at their outer edges by an integral yoke portion 15.

The upper end of the screw 14 engages in a socket 16 in the under face of the stud head 19 which socket is outwardly offset from the axis of the socket 65 and lug 69 thereby providing a toggle arrangement which will prevent accidental outward swinging of the arms and consequent outwardly, and then lift from the Lchassis the entire unitary front structure hereinbefore described. After the work is completed the unitary 4structure maybe readily replaced by slipping the sockets 65 over the respective studs 6 6, and then securing the same rin place .by the clamps.

In order to be -able toremove the front structure it is necessary to electrically disconnecty .the headlights 82. To this en d the leads 83 from the battery to the lheadlights are provided Awith any ordinary or p referred separable connections 84 which may bearranged at any convenient location.

yVibration dampeners areprovidedbetween the radiatt nrl9-y and the adjacent portions of the removable shrouding frame, and between the rear transverse frame member 3I yand the dash I8, as illustrated respectively in Figures 9 and Fixed to the sides of the radiator I9 preferably adjacent the upper Aend thereof, are brackets 85. `These are preferably welded to the radiator and are each provided with an outwardly extending `arm thavng a recess 81 for a cushion 88 which may beof rubber orsimilar material. An annular washer S9 rests upon the cushion 38, and is held in position by bolts 90 ex ten d ing through the cushion'and threadedv into thebottom Wall .of the recess.

Welded to the frame members 32 adjacent the radiator are armsv 92 which extend over the respective arms 86; and threaded through each loosening of the clamp which may be accomplished after a slight retraction of the screw 14. Any suitable means may be employed to Vpre-'- vent turning of the screw or accidental outward swing of the lower end thereof. In Figure 5 is illustrated a simple means for this purpose which comprises a wire 11 threaded through an aperture 18 in the head of the screw and secured to any adjacent fixed part. As illustrated, the wire may be threaded through an eye 19 in the base of the bracket 68.

When it is desired to get access to the engine and associated parts under the hood or to the front axle assembly, it is but necessary to loosen the four clamp screws 14, swing the arms 1I ly A tapering conical head94 which engages in a central bore in the cushion 88. `When installing the device, the screw 93 is adjusted until arrn, non-vibratory connection is attained between `the radiator and the frame, and then secured vin position by a lock nut 96. After proper initial adjustment no further adjustment is necessary except Ato compensate for impfaeun of theoushion. A single vibration dampenerbetween the frame member 3 I and the dashboard I8 is usually s'ufcient; and is illustrated in Figure 10. As

shown therein, the cushion supporting bracket 235 is preferably. riveted to the dash I8, and the Aarm 9 2? is similarly secured to the frame member 3|. Otherwise the construction fis substantially .the same, and like reference numerals yare used for the corresponding elements. Usually but one dampeneris requiredvbetween the frame 4. an d the dash-board and this islocated centrally of the frame member 3| as indicated in Figure 3.

While I have described a particular form and arrangement of the elements of this invention, it is to be understood that they may be varied to conform to various types and styles of automobiles without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

1 claim:

l. In an automobile construction, a chassis including longitudinal frame members and a dash, a radiator secured to the forward portion of said frame members, a shroud supporting frame comprising transverseend members and longitudinal side members rigidly connecting the same, a hood and front wheel fenders connected solely to said supporting frame, vertically disposed tubular sockets at the lower portions of said transverse members, upwardly extending studs iixed to said chassis frame members and adapted to it within said sockets, and toggle clamps pivotally mounted on the lower ends of said tubular sock- Yets, the free lendscf said clamps engaging beneath said studs detachably securing said shroud supporting frame to said chassis frame members.

-2. In an Aautomobile construction, a chassis including longitudinal frame members and a dash, a radiator secured to the forward portion of said frame members, a shroud supporting frame comprising transverse end members and longitudinal side members rigidly connecting Athe same, said transverse `members being :arranged slightly forwardly of said dash and said radiator respectively, a hood and front fenders connected solely to said shroud supporting frame, vertically disposed tubular socketsA at thellower outer ends of said frame, upwardly extending studs xed tor said chassis frame members and adapted Ato it within said tubularsockets, brackets fixed to said dash and said radiator respectively, and extending toward the adjacent portions of the shroud supporting frame, each of said brackets being provided with a resilient cushion member, bracket arms on said shroud supporting frame projecting over the rst said brackets, downwardly tapered members on the last said brackets engaging in said cushions respectively. and toggle clamps pivotally mounted on said tubular socket members and engageable under said studs to detachably secure said frame to 'the chassis.

3. An automoible construction as set for-th in claim 2 in which said tapered members are vertically adjustable in the yrespective brackets.

4. In an automobile construction, a chassisfincluding longitudinal frame members and a dash,

Aa radiator mounted on the forward portion yof said frame members, a shroud supporting fra-me comprising transverse front and rear members and'longitudinal side members rigidly connecting the same, a VVhood and vfront fenders connected solely to said supporting frame, and splash aprons xed to said longitudinal side members of said frame, vertical tubular sockets at each side of each of said transverse members, brackets Vlxed to said chassis frame members and extending beneath the ends of said sockets, Vstuds extending upwardly from said brackets' and ladapted to telescope within said sockets, and

clamping arms pivotally connected tosaid tubular sockets and 'means on the free `ends of said arms adapted to engage under said studs to detachably clamp said shroudsupporting frame to said chassis. n

5. In `an automobile construction, a chassis including longitudinal frame members and a dash, a radiator xed tothe forward portion of said frame members, incombination with a hood and front wheel fenders, a frame supporting said hood and fenders, said frame comprising a rear transversel member formed of sheet metal lwith the upper edgethereof' shaped to conform to the adjacent portions of said hood and said renders, and `tubular socket members secured vertically to said member with the lower ends `thereof adjacent said chassis members, a front frame member formed of tubular stock curved to conform to the adjacent-portion of said hood `and then-extended downwardly at each side and terminating in vertical tubular sockets, and braces between the downwardly extending portions, side members rigidly connecting said Yfront and rear frame members, upwardly extending studs mounted on said chassis members and clampingmeans connected to each of said sockets and adapted to engage under said studs to detachably secure said supporting frame to said chassis frame members.

6. The combination set forth in claim 5 further characterized by splash aprons xed to said side members.

7. The combination set forth in claim 5 in which the lower edge of the rear supporting frame is arched between the socket members to span the space between the chassis members as and for the purpose described.

ARTHUR. R.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile of this patent:

Number Name Date 1,275,500v 'limn-ierhoi` Aug. 1'3, 1918 1,300,185 Montgomery- Apr 8, 1919 1,343,519 Mottey June 15, 1920 1,833,852 Ledwinka Deel 29, 1931 2,005,103 Moorhouse June 18, 1935 2,128,930 Fageol et al. Sept. 6 1938 2,303,286V Lake Nov. 24, 1942 2,413,792' Sharp Jan. 7, 1947 2,488,471 Kramer et al. Nov. 15, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS- Number Country Date 330,452 Great Britain June 12, 1930 388,197 France May 25, 1908 488,492 Great Britain July 5, 1938 

